Caged (Dark Empire #2)

Twenty-Two.

Magnus

I'd spent the majority of the day with Ashlee, savouring each moment while Ethan had locked himself away in his office. Ashlee and I played a few intense games of Poker, her laughter filling the room as she teased me with her winning streak. The air crackled with the electric chemistry between us. We eventually settled on the couch, watching TV, but my mind was elsewhere—on her. Every brush of her hand, every glance, stirred a longing deep within me. It was rare to have such a tranquil afternoon, just the two of us, a brief respite from the chaos of our lives. It was a stolen slice of heaven in a world of shadows and secrets, a reminder of the peace we fought so hard to protect.

“Stay here tonight,” she murmured, her head resting against my shoulder.

“I would love to, but I’m sure Ethan doesn't want me intruding.”

“Ethan won't mind.”

"Ethan won’t mind what?” He entered the room just at that moment.

“If Mags stays with us tonight,” Ashlee said.

Ethan took a seat on her other side, resting his hand upon her thigh. "If you both don't mind coming to Raptors tonight for a bit, then sure.”

I looked over and raised an eyebrow. "Anything to sleep with my Red tonight, but why?”

“Mario has some special Christmas event going on and he said if I wanted to speak to him, then I'd have to meet him there to do it. He's been there most of the day and only picked up my call not long ago.”

I chuckled. "Fair enough. Princess, you better go and change.”

She rolled her eyes and stood. "We’ll have none of that, sweetheart.” Ethan slapped her ass hard making her yelp. "Or I’ll put you over Mag's knee.”

I chuckled as she left the room. I quite wanted her over my knee for a punishment.

“You’d like that, wouldn't you?” Ethan smirked.

“Of course. You love it too.”

“Hell yeah, I do.” He chuckled. "It’s hot as fuck.”

I laughed. "It looks hot as fuck. Anything regarding her is.”

“Too right,” he said.

I released a sigh. "You don't mind me staying, do you? I don't want to intrude on your space. I know me sharing your bed is a little... weird.”

“No, I don't mind.” He swallowed a lump in his throat. "I actually quite like you being here. Mags, you know I love you like a brother. Your company relaxes me, plus it makes me happy to know that Ash has you.”

I gave him a heartfelt smile. "Same here.”

"We’re a fucked up family.”

“Yeah, but I don't want it any other way.” We both shared an understanding smile.

When Ashlee descended the stairs, she left us utterly speechless. She wore a black leather mini skirt that clung to her curves and a white shirt tied in a knot above her taut stomach. The contrast was striking, and the effect was mesmerising.

"Erm, do I look okay?" she muttered, her hands nervously smoothing down the leather.

"Fuck, princess, you look delectable," I said, my voice thick with desire. Her awkward fidgeting only made her more irresistible.

Ashlee had always looked good to me, but this was on a whole new level. The sexy confidence of her outfit had my cock aching for her. She was a vision of raw sensuality, awakening a primal hunger within me.

Ethan released a low, possessive growl, rising from his seat with a predator's grace. He strode towards her, his eyes dark with intent. When his hand wrapped around her throat, her lips parted in surprise, a soft gasp escaping.

Her pulse fluttered under his grip, and the air crackled with tension. Ethan's dominance was electrifying, and I could see the desire in Ashlee's eyes, mirroring my own. I just knew that this night was about to take a thrilling turn, one none of us would forget.

“Do you know how sexy you look, sweetheart? Christ, how am I meant to let anyone else lay their eyes upon you?”

He pulled her into his lips before she could reply, his other hand dropping to her ass and pulling her into his body.

"I’m tempted to stay in now.”

"Ethan.” She chuckled. "I’ve just spent all this time getting ready. Come on,” she said.

“Fine,” he grumbled. "But if anyone looks for too long, I’ll fucking deck them.”

She chuckled like she thought he was joking, but he wasn't. I’d be right there with him. She was ours.

Ethan's hand stayed on her lower back as we walked outside to my car. His body had gained tension and I knew it was because Ashlee looked like a damn treat. It was Christmas eve tomorrow, and with it being a Friday, Mario’s club would be packed, especially with a special event going on.

“Ash, do me a favour and don't wander off alone,” Ethan said as I parked the car down the back behind Mario’s.”

“Yeah, sure,” she mumbled while rolling her eyes.

“That’s your second strike, baby. Roll your eyes at us one more time and you’re getting a punishment. Even if it's in here, I will spank you.”

I snorted. I was glad it was going to be like that this evening. If it were my choice, I’d punish her just for dressing so damn sexy. My cock was struggling to stay calm.

I got out of the car and growled as I adjusted myself in my jeans. The thought of punishing her in that leather skirt was sending sinful desires through my mind.

“Mags, look after her while I speak with Ro.”

“It would be my pleasure,” I said with a smirk.

We walked around to the front entrance passing to the front of the long queue.

“Mr Prezello,” a security guard greeted.

Ethan nodded, nudging Ashlee ahead of him while still keeping his hand on her. We went straight up to the VIP area on the balcony, expecting to find it empty, but instead seeing someone we didn't expect.

“Luca, fancy seeing you here,” Ethan said as we approached a table.

“Ro invited us,” he said.

“Blake.” I nodded to the man beside him.

“Magnus,” he replied.

“Is anyone else with you?” Ethan asked.

“Rose is dancing downstairs with a few of her friends,” Luca said. "How come you’re here?”

“I need to speak to Ro and he said that I’d have to do it here.”

Luca released a laugh. "You know he just said that to get you here, right? He's quite proud of this evenings event.”

"What is it?” Ethan took a seat around the table, pulling Ashlee down beside him.

“He wouldn't tell me.”

"Typical. It better be worth this. I'd rather be at home right now.” His eyes gazed over Ashlee, pausing where the skirt had ridden up exposing her thighs.

I sat on the other side of Ash, placing my hand on her bare thigh. I couldn't stop myself from looking down, her skirt hitching up and revealing far more skin than was socially acceptable. It was damn sinful what she was wearing this, and I fucking loved it.

I wasn't concentrating on the conversation going on at all, my focus solely on Ashlee’s flesh beneath my palm. I was fighting to stop myself from creeping higher.

“Ah, brother, you made it.”

I looked up at Mario as he approached.

“Yes, we’re here. I need to talk to you,” Ethan said.

“And it had to be tonight?”

“I didn't know you had an event on.”

Mario chuckled, waving a waitress over. "Get my brother and his wife some drinks.”

“Sir.”

"Three whisky’s,” Ethan said.

"We’ll have the same,” Luca added.

"So, Mario, what is this big event?” I asked.

He smirked. "Something for everyone. Just wait and see.”

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "So, can we talk?”

Mario looked at his watch. "After the first show. It’s on in five.”

“Fine,” he grumbled.

The waitress came over with our drinks just as the music lowered.

“Come and watch,” Mario said with a grin.

I stood and held my hand out for Ashlee, tugging her up and under my arm before leading her to the balcony rail.

Mario had set up a stage to one side of the club opposite where we overlooked.

I positioned Ashlee in front of me with my arms wrapped around her waist.

“Look at all of those people down there, Red,” I said into her ear. "Out of everyone, you are by far the sexiest one.”

“Mags, I’m not.”

"You are.”

“I don't know what you see in me.”

"Everything, princess. I love you.”

She turned her head and I took the opportunity to kiss her.

“Erm,” Luca muttered from somewhere beside us.

Mario chuckled. "Didn't you know?”

"What? Am I missing something here? She's married to Ethan.”

Ethan burst out laughing. "Ashlee belongs to both of us.”

"Hey, I’m not a possession,” she snapped.

“We’ll have none of that tone, sweetheart.”

I chuckled as the lights dimmed, leaving only a few low spotlights casting shadows on the stage. The anticipation was palpable. I rested my chin on her shoulder, feeling the tension in the air as the music slowly built to a crescendo. Suddenly, a male figure emerged in the centre of the stage, his movements fluid and seductive, commanding the room with every step.

He danced with a raw, sensual energy, each move more captivating than the last. One by one, more men joined him, their bodies moving in perfect synchrony, muscles rippling under the dim lights. The atmosphere grew electric as they shed their shirts, revealing chiselled torsos that glistened under the spotlight.

“Male strippers,” Ethan murmured to Mario, a note of incredulity in his voice. "Really?”

Mario smirked, leaning back with a knowing look. "Hey, I promised something for everyone. Just wait until the women join them."

The room buzzed with excitement, the air thick with anticipation of what was to come. It wasn't just a show; it was a tantalizing display of raw desire and seduction, a perfect prelude to the night ahead.

"Do you like this, Red?”

"They’re pretty hot,” she said.

“More hot than us?”

"Definitely not, but you can't dance like them.”

“I can't dance at all.” I laughed.

True to his word, women soon joined the men on the stage, all of them dressed in skimpy Santa outfits.

I had to give it to Mario, they were good dancers and the choreography was enchanting. The crowd were sure loving it, especially when the items of clothing slowly thinned so that they were all left in just underwear.

When it ended, there was a roar of cheers from the crowd.

“Not bad, brother,” Ethan said. "Where did you find them?”

"They tour the country performing. They were in town so I paid a pretty penny for them to be here tonight.”

“Nice. You know, I could have loaned you some of my girls for a cheaper price.”

"Oh, please, your girls are totally different, plus you don't have men.”

“I’m sure Mags could have done something.”

Ashlee burst out laughing. "I would love to see him try.”

“Hey, I have two left feet when it comes to dancing.”

Mario chuckled. "Exactly. These are some of the best in their field.”

"Well, it’s clearly paid off. The place is packed,” Luca said.

“It is.”

"Anyway, can we talk now?”

“Yes, fine.”

“Join us, Luca. This concerns you too,” Ethan said. "Mags, look after my wife.”

“Always,” I said.

I led Ashlee back to the table, pulling her down onto my lap as I sat.

“You look damn right sinful, Red,” I purred into her ear as my hand rested on her thigh.

“Why?”

“Because it should be illegal to dress this sexy in public.”

She chuckled. "I’m not that sexy, Mags.”

I slapped her skin. "Stop saying that. Ashlee, you are fucking gorgeous.”

“Only to you.”

"And every other fucker.”

"Yeah, right,” she scoffed.

“Finish your drink now,” I hissed.

If she didn't believe me, I’d damn well show her. I hated the thought of other men looking at her, but I needed to make a point. She was absolutely fucking gorgeous and it was about time she realised it.